ABTA – The Travel Association has moved to reassure UK holidaymakers that flights for the May half-term are expected to operate as planned, despite growing concerns over jet fuel shortages and rising prices. Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, said: “We really don’t want people worrying about their holidays; planes are taking off daily and people are continuing to get away.”
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, only 120 of the 22,613 flights scheduled from UK airports in May have been cancelled – equivalent to 0.53% of departures. Globally, around 13,000 flights have been cut, representing less than 1% of the total. “Whilst there have been reports about cancellations, these amount to less than one per cent of overall flights,” Mr Tanzer added.
The Department for Transport has stated there is “no need” for travellers to change their plans, noting that UK airlines buy fuel in advance and airports maintain reserves. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that extra fuel has been imported from the United States and refineries have increased production to mitigate the impact of the crisis, which has been exacerbated by tensions in the Middle East affecting tanker passages through the Strait of Hormuz.
Some airlines, such as Lufthansa, have announced contingency measures including cutting thousands of flights from summer schedules and planning for potential refuelling stops on long-haul routes. However, travel industry figures insist UK departures to popular summer hotspots remain unaffected. Julia Lo Bue-Said of Advantage Travel Partnership said: “Customers can continue to book with confidence.”
Passengers are advised to check flight updates with their airline before travelling and to ensure they have suitable travel insurance. Paul Charles of The PC Agency noted that airlines are making difficult decisions to cancel flights well in advance to minimise last-minute inconvenience, and further cancellations may be necessary as the fuel supply is squeezed.
